Tug De Luce was a longtime friend of the Philadelphia Mycology Club. He was among the most outwardly joyful and unabashedly authentic people to be around. When the PMC was founded in 2018, Tug was one of a small handful of early mentors for our club leaders, bringing years of experience and mycological knowledge to every walk, foray, and lecture. Tug had a passion for ethnomycology, often showing off trophy sized edible mushrooms or whispering little hints about where to find certain medicinal species. He was also passionate about taxonomy and understood the challenges of naming and understanding our fungal diversity. He spent time working as a volunteer in the herbarium at the Academy of Natural Sciences annotating specimens and uncovering treasures in the collection, some of which are now framed and on display in the botany department.

Tug was also a talented artist. He used his talents to depict the things he loved in life such as nature, mushrooms, friends, and of course, gnomes. His passions for art and mycology were inspiring to so many in the Philadelphia Mycology Club and Mycofest communities.

Tug's We are honoring him this year by funding a memorial scholarship in his name.

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

In the spirit of Tug's legacy, the Philadelphia Mycology Club is honored to be fundraising for The Tug De Luce Memorial Scholarship. In his name and memory, we are establishing this scholarship that will fund a ticket for a local artist to attend the Northeast Mycological Federation’s (NEMF) annual foray - an experience that reflects some of Tug's most heartfelt passions.

We invite you to join us in celebrating a lasting legacy for Tug, carrying his passions forward, and helping the next generation connect with the world of mycology that he deeply cherished, too.

Tickets for the NEMF Annual Foray are anticipated to be approximately $500. Any funds raised and beyond that will go to fund additional recipients or, if interest is high, continue the scholarship for years to come.

Applications for The Tug De Luce Memorial Scholarship coming in 2026: Looking forward to next year, we are exploring options for displaying artwork submissions for this scholarship; please stay tuned for details about how to submit artwork and when submissions will be on view.

SHARE YOUR SUPPORT - One More Way to Give

We were inspired by Tug's family to start this fund, who welcomed memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to be made to Philadelphia Mycology Club honoring his enduring passions for creativity and nature.

With our deepest gratitude, we ask you to consider gently sharing this fundraiser with friends and loved ones who may also wish to honor Tug's memory.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

As a fully volunteer-run organization, no member receives compensation, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly back into supporting this mushroom community of ours - this community of yours, and Tug's, too - right here in Philadelphia.

Tug De Luce Memorial Scholarship Fund -- Giving Tuesday 2025